While older models push the flow of water to the outside of the showerhead, new eye/facewashes have been redesigned to deliver a more uniform and complete spray pattern distribution.
A New Generation of Eye/Facewashes New Technology Raises the Bar for Worker Protection
By Heather Koehn W
hether the work setting is a manufacturing plant, research lab or distribution center, the inherent dangers of coming into personal con-
tact with hazardous substances are a harsh business real- ity. Providing and maintaining a safe work environment is not only an employer’s moral and regulatory obliga- tion it’s also in a company’s best interest from liability and reputation management standpoints. Being prepared with emergency eye/facewash and
other shower equipment is an integral part of any com- pany’s emergency response system. While many facili- ties use eye and facewash fixtures that may comply with ANSI requirements, the story shouldn’t end there. There are a number of factors that plumbing engineers, speci- fiers, contractors and building owners need to consider when selecting and evaluating the right equipment, including facility design, accessibility and product requirements, features and cost. While it’s important to know the basic requirements
of eye/facewash systems, it’s also key to stay current on the newest and most effective technologies available today, as the industry has taken major steps to enhance the efficacy of emergency products.
Basic ANSI requirements With respect to facility planning and design, ANSI Z358.1 requires that facilities must be able to treat the
Plumbing Engineer
maximum number of potential injuries possible in a given situation, keeping in mind the potential hazards, environment and number of people that could be exposed. To that end, eyewash equipment should be accessible within 10 seconds of the hazard. In addition, the approach to these safety stations should be clear of obstructions and should be on the same level as the haz- ard. The fixture must also deliver tepid flushing water. As for product requirements, eyewashes and
eye/facewash fixtures must provide a controlled, simul- taneous flow to both eyes. While eye/facewash equip- ment must deliver a minimum of 3 gpm of flushing fluid for 15 minutes, eyewash-only equipment must deliver a minimum of 0.4 gpm for 15 minutes. In addition, outlets used for eye/facewashes should be protected from cont- aminants and be located between 33 and 45 inches from the floor and 6 inches from the wall. Finally, the actua- tion valve should be able to have the flushing fluid flow stay on without the use of the operator’s hands. The valve should be easy to operate and able to be turned on or off in one second or less.
New eye/facewash technologies Bearing in mind the basic requirements will help
guide selection for optimal eye/facewash equipment. In recent times, significant innovations have been applied Continued on page 58
May 2011/Page 57
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